STL-CIN grades: Defense helps Bengals get back on track
– After a fantastic start to the year, Andy Dalton (+0.1) has returned to approximately the same player he’s been his entire career, with a +1.5 overall grade since Week 5. He’ll make absolutely gorgeous throws over the middle of the field, like the touchdowns to A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert, but then panic when plays break down, and force it into small windows like the Janoris Jenkins interception and the near pick from Darren Bates in the back of the end zone.
Cincinnati Bengals' defense has only two games without interception
Reggie Nelson walked out of the Cincinnati Bengals' locker room Monday afternoon with a football wrapped in masking tape nestled inside his right elbow. Scribbled on the tape was a message indicating it was ball number "6." That's six, as in the number of interceptions the safety has this season, giving him a career high.
Bengals DC wants Geno Atkins crowned Defensive Player of the Year
Geno Atkins should be the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. At least, that's what Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther believes. You're hard-pressed to find anyone around Paul Brown Stadium who disagrees with him.
Leah Still is cancer free, Devon Still announces
Leah Still, the daughter of former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, is now cancer-free, her father announced on Instagram. "Thanks for all the support and prayers," Devon Still wrote. "Just got the phone call that her scans showed NED (no evidence of disease)! #LeahStrong #StillKickinCancersAss" Leah Still was diagnosed with stage-four neuroblastoma in June 2014 and was given a 50-50 chance to survive.
The Cincinnati Bengals looked like the team that won their first six straight games by averaging 30 points per game in a dominating 31-7 victory over St. Louis on Sunday afternoon. The run game finally got untracked with 140 yards on the ground, Andy Dalton wasn’t sacked for the first time since mid-October and the defense came up with three interceptions and a sack.
Bengals beat writers Paul Dehner Jr. and Jim Owczarski discuss the win against St. Louis, if Geno Atkins' reserved nature hurts his national exposure, background on the evolution of the London trip and addressing season-ticket holder angst. Plus, we take a deeper look at the outlook in the AFC playoff picture and a sneak preview of a special piece coming out later this week
Doc: Be glad 'You don't live in Cleveland'
It's the time of year that has me seeking light therapy. The sun has been on a three-day hiatus to points unknown. When did we become Akron? As Sam Wyche (former Men coach, kids; worked in a Super Bowl) said, "Ya don't live in Cleveland.''
Defense flexes muscles for December
Opposing QBs don't want to see safety Reggie Nelson. With their franchise heading into December trying to secure its third AFC North title and sixth playoff spot in seven seasons, the Bengals defense is flexing its muscles at just the right time.
Behind Enemy Lines
Defense flexes muscles for December
Opposing QBs don't want to see safety Reggie Nelson. With their franchise heading into December trying to secure its third AFC North title and sixth playoff spot in seven seasons, the Bengals defense is flexing its muscles at just the right time.
NFL: Ravens were not offside on Browns' final field goal attempt
The Baltimore Ravens were not offside on the Cleveland Browns final field goal try Monday night. A photo circulating on the internet appeared to show Ravens safety Anthony Levine lining up with his hand across a line drawn to show the line of scrimmage.
Look for Austin Davis to start ahead of Johnny Manziel vs. Bengals
It seems wise to prepare for No. 24 on Sunday as opposed to No. 2. Though Mike Pettine gave no indication who would start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in light of the season-ending injury to Josh McCown, every needle and indicator points to Austin Davis getting the call against Cincinnati.
Perhaps this time will be the charm for Terrelle Pryor. The 26-year-old wideout signed with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday. Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer first reported the deal, while Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports confirmed the report. Cabot added Pryor was set to visit the Chicago Bears prior to inking the deal.
Random Bytes
Best-case, worst-case scenarios for all 32 teams
Cam Newton and the Panthers soar to 16-0. Chip Kelly and the Eagles continue their free fall. Here are the best- and worst-case scenarios for each NFL team.
Struggling Falcons hold 'players-only' meeting amid four-game losing streak
The Atlanta Falcons, losers of four consecutive games, held a players-only meeting Tuesday in hopes of getting back on track for the stretch run, according to multiple team sources. It is unclear how long the meeting lasted, but head coach Dan Quinn was informed before it took place.
Arizona WR Michael Floyd Fumes over MLB's Big Contracts After David Price Deal
Baseball players get paid more than football players. That's just how it is. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd is well aware, and he's not happy about it.
Pete Morelli's Officiating Crew Reportedly Removed from Cowboys vs. Redskins
On the heels of a rough performance in the Week 12 contest between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers, referee Pete Morelli and his officiating crew were reportedly pulled from the Week 13 Monday Night Football game pitting the Dallas Cowboys against the Washington Redskins.